VOLUNTEER
Volunteer For a Year at the Farm or in Boston
For decades, volunteers at Gould Farm have brought unwavering dedication, energy, and compassionate support to our mission, making a lasting impact in the lives of others. As a full-time volunteer, you’ll live and serve at either our peaceful Monterey campus or Fellside, our Boston-area program, becoming an integral part of the healing journey for our guests.
If you’re seeking a year of service that will challenge you, inspire growth, and foster deep connections, we encourage you to explore this life-changing opportunity or apply today.
How do I apply?
We invite mature, compassionate individuals seeking a unique, rewarding experience in a therapeutic community to join our team at Gould Farm. As a year-long volunteer, you’ll have the chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of our guests while being part of a supportive community. In return, you’ll receive valuable benefits, including room and board, health insurance, a monthly living stipend, and paid time off. This is an opportunity to grow personally and professionally while contributing to something truly impactful.​
​
Interested domestic or international volunteers must apply through one of the three sending organizations listed below. ​​
Partner Organizations
Commonwealth Corps Service Internship
* next application cycle March 2025 *
Contact Pauline Banducci, Gould Farm volunteer coordinator (apply through Gould Farm)
​
United Church of Christ, National Ministries
​
Contact Danielle Hickman
Minister of Volunteer Engagement
216.736.2100
​​
Brethren Volunteer Services
​
Contact Chelsea Skillen
Executive Director, BVS
(847) 429-4396
​
We do not accept direct applications. Instead, volunteers must apply through organizations such as BVS, UCC Ministries, or the Commonwealth Corps. These organizations handle the application, vetting, and orientation processes before volunteers can be placed at Gould Farm. For Commonwealth Corps applicants, the first point of contact is our volunteer coordinator, Pauline Banducci.
Have questions?
If you're interested in volunteering at Gould Farm, we'd love to hear from you! Our volunteer coordinator, Pauline Banducci, is available to answer any questions about the application process and how to apply through organizations like BVS, UCC Ministries, or Commonwealth Corps. We look forward to exploring how you can become part of our community.
Past Volunteer Stories
Meet Cara Hudson
After College Volunteer
I found out about Gould Farm because I joined Brethren Volunteer Service (BVS) after college. BVS has over one hundred projects, and when I was looking through their booklet, Gould Farm jumped out at me immediately. I was drawn to the Farm because I could tell the organization valued community living, creation care, and mental health recovery– all things I am passionate about.
Meet Twyla Barkakoty
Boston Program Volunteer
After I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology, I was looking to spend a year in service before pursuing further education. An alumnus from my college referred me to his friend who volunteered at Gould Farm’s Boston Area Program, Fellside, about 25 years ago. I was aware of my affinity towards close-knit communities. After being able to speak with people, such as staff and former Resident Advisors, Fellside seemed like the best next step for me.
Meet Will Britt, PhD
Professional Sabbatical Volunteer
I first heard about Gould Farm from a close friend who volunteered there several years ago. After a writing fellowship at the Austen Riggs Center researching psychosis, I was looking for a way to stay in western Massachusetts and engage directly with folks struggling with psychosis (not just with clinicians). I was also looking for a chance to do physical labor in the beauty of the Berkshires. Gould Farm seemed to meet all of those desires.
Meet Christine Rowghani, LMSW
Volunteer to Social Worker
I learned about the Farm in a very cool and happenstance way. In my senior year of college, I was at a networking event with alums. I met a staff psychologist, Amy Taylor, from Austen Riggs Center. She told me about The American Residential Treatment Association (ARTA). I was considering getting into mental health at the time, so I went on the ARTA website and looked at all the different programs.
Gould Farm has a long tradition of volunteers staying on as staff members
Pictured here are several of our current staff members who came to the Farm as volunteers and now work in every area of the Farm: from maintenance to clinical team and from administrative roles to work program leadership. Volunteers who stay on as staff bring a deep commitment to our mission and a love for the work and life on the Farm that took root in their first year as volunteers.